Trump’s steel tariffs could have ‘profound and detrimental’ impact on UK

Trump’s steel tariffs could have ‘profound and detrimental’ impact on UK

The UK steel industry could be badly hit after US President Donald Trump confirmed plans for a 25% tariff on imports.

The measure – which Mr Trump said was aimed at protecting national security and American jobs – could trigger a full-blown trade war if the European Union responds with countermeasures.

Trade body UK Steel said the tariffs could have a “profound and detrimental impact” while the Community union demanded action to protect British jobs and avoid a “global trade war”.

Labour MP Stephen Kinnock, whose constituency in south Wales includes the giant Port Talbot steelworks, said Theresa May had “let down” British workers by failing to stand up to the US President.

Speaking in the White House with a group of workers, Mr Trump confirmed the tax on steel imports and a 10% tariff on aluminium in response to an “assault on our country” from cheap overseas metal.

US President Donald Trump holds up his proclamation on steel imports (Susan Walsh/AP)

“Today I’m defending America’s national security by placing tariffs on foreign imports of steel and aluminium,” he said.

There would be exemptions for North America Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) states Mexico and Canada and Mr Trump said other countries may be able to negotiate to avoid the tariffs.

Mr Trump said if his goals could be accomplished “by other means” the US will remain “open to modifying or removing the tariffs for individual nations as long as we can agree on a way to ensure that their products no longer threaten our security”.

UK Steel’s director Gareth Stace said: “Today’s announcement confirms our fears that the default position is for tariffs to apply across the board outside of Nafta.

“Such tariffs would have a profound and detrimental impact on the UK steel sector, which exported some 350,000 tonnes of products to the US in 2017, over 7% of its total exports.

“The UK sector is in the midst of a fragile recovery following years of considerable turmoil, it would be utterly devastating if this were to be undermined.

“Imposing such measures on US allies in the name of national security is difficult to comprehend.”

He said it was “vital” the EU and UK worked with the US administration on exemptions to the tariff.

But the industry fears the indirect consequences of Mr Trump’s actions, which could lead to cheap Chinese steel being dumped on European markets instead of sold to the USA.

Looking forward to 3:30 P.M. meeting today at the White House. We have to protect & build our Steel and Aluminum Industries while at the same time showing great flexibility and cooperation toward those that are real friends and treat us fairly on both trade and the military.

“Ever since Trump first announced punitive tariffs on steel and aluminium last week, the British steel industry, unions and steel MPs have been calling on her to make the case against these tariffs and for a UK exemption.

“Tonight we learnt that she has abjectly failed in that task.”

On tonight’s announcement – the EU is a close ally of the US and we continue to be of the view that the EU should be excluded from these measures. I will seek more clarity on this issue in the days to come. Looking forward to meeting USTR Lighthizer in Brussels on Sat to discuss.

The EU’s trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said the bloc should be excluded from the measures and she would meet US trade representative Robert Lighthizer to discuss the situation on Saturday.

A Government spokesman said: “The Government has been clear that tariffs are not the right way to address the global problem of overcapacity, which requires a multilateral solution.

“We will work with EU partners to consider the scope for exemptions outlined today and continue to work with all the sectors involved in this decision to robustly support our industries and demonstrate the importance of their high-quality products for US industries and security.”

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